Looking for unfocused rage, post-adolescent angst or songs about killing people? Well, look elsewhere.

However, if you're determined to read the rest of this, prepare yourself for the phenomenon that is The Doobie Sisters. I saw them at their first gig last year and was suitably impressed with the spectacle. The band was dressed in garbage bags, shriner's hats and sunglasses, and the music could only be described as outtakes from a Shaft sequel that never materialized (Shaft's Big Donut Score, perhaps).

The Doobie Sisters include Chris Pyle (guitar), Angie Pyle (drums), Will Deaton (appliances), Beverly Budde (vocals), Michael Lachman (keyboards), Aaron Schlagbaum (guitar), Jessi Dobos (backing vocals) and Bob Cantoni (bass). Their first CD, the "Oh, Don't Forsake Me Little Darlin' EP" features 8 songs that include some of the tastiest licks, chops and other hackneyed musical terms this writer has ever heard.

This Friday, Jan. 19, you can experience the absurdity first-hand at The Union when the Doobs (journalistic license, thank you) launch their disc as part of a 3 CD release extravaganza that also includes new discs and performances by Rubberband Racecar Go and Wallet, as well as the debut of a new group called Ukulele Typewriter (which is - you guessed it - made up of two people playing a ukulele and a typewriter.)

I had a chance to speak with The Doobie Sisters' own Phil Spector, Chris Pyle (who recorded and mixed the Doobie Sisters EP, the Wallet CD and parts of the Rubberband Racecar Go CD at his home studio).

The Doobie Sisters Egg Planet Head Cleaner Invisible Fence For Dogs Listen to other great local musicians by visiting the AMN soundclip archive.

AMN: First of all, who the heck are The Doobie Sisters?

CP: Well, Bryan, The Doobie Sisters are a shot in the arm for the complacent alterna-funk, post-punk, emo underground Christian left college music scene here in Athens. We sing about glazed donuts, planets made of eggs, invisible fences for dogs and evil dandelions taking over the world, among other subject matter. We believe it's about time that the community of Athens starts to take life a little more seriously and so we are here to bring certain things to its attention.

AMN: I love your CD - it sounds like it was fun to make. Was it hard to record without laughing during every take?

CP: I really don't know how to respond to this question. Have you really listened to our CD?

AMN: A standout track is "Ode to Krispy Kreme." Thanks to you guys, I can't walk by the Kroger bakery without having the song in my head. Did you contact the Krispy Kreme company about using your song?

CP: Yes, as a matter of fact, we sent both versions (there is a reprise on the CD) to their corporate headquarters in North Carolina. They in turn sent us a few donuts in the mail with a note that kindly asked us never to play this song in public. I think this was because of some copyright law or something. So I'm pretty sure they liked it, but as a result, we must mouth the words when we play it live - we won't actually sing them out loud. I'm a little worried that this might change the feel of the song, but the law is the law. We invited them to our CD release party, but I haven't heard back from them yet. It's a pretty long trip from NC so I can understand if they don't show.

AMN: So what's the deal with "Invisible Fence for Dogs?" Did you sample your dog (and will the dog receive royalties)?

CP: Yes, "Fence" is one of my favorite tracks on the CD. No, we didn't use a sample of our dog (Editor's Note: the dog is named The White Album - I'm serious). We had her perform it live. She was a bit stubborn at first, but she really got the hang of it after a while and we got a good take. I feel that she was very compelling considering the nature of that song - the horrors of a dog being trapped by an unseen oppressor that they really can't comprehend. I think the result was a hypnotic post-cold war mantra that will be chanted as an anthem by caring dog lovers and their pets everywhere for years to come. I'm glad that we decided to go with the stripped-down instrumentation. It kind of reminds me of Springsteen's classic Nebraska sessions - just that haunting feel he gets. I think ours is a little bit more believable, though.

AMN: Tell me a little bit about the CD release party on Jan. 19.

CP: Well, we feel privileged to play with such great bands. We will be joined by Wallet, Tony Xenos and Rubberband Racecar Go, and a new band called Ukelele Typewriter. We also have a surprise in store for that night. Each band is only playing about 25-30 minutes, so if you come and you really think one of the bands suck, it won't be long before the next one gets up.

AMN: The release party aside, how can people buy a copy of the disc?

CP: We will be selling them exclusively at the Bath & Body Works in the University Mall.

AMN: Thanks for talking with me. I'm looking forward to the show. Just one other question -- when it comes to Michael Jackson, which era do you prefer: The Jackson 5 or Thriller?

CP: Well, I'd have to say everything after Michael turned 11 was downhill for me. Although I did think that duet with Paul McCartney "The Doggone Girl is Mine" was quite nice, but that's back when McCartney kicked some major ass.